01/10/2024
October 1, 2024
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/texas-longview-advisory-committee-recommends-mandatory-spay-neuter-breeder-permits/
The Longview TX Animal Shelter Advisory Committee has approved an ordinance mandating spaying/neutering, creating intact animal permits, and establishing an animal breeder license. The Longview City Council will consider this ordinance package in the coming weeks. Local news reports indicate the ordinance is intended to address shelter overpopulation issues.
How to Help
The City Council needs to hear from constituents as soon as possible. Longview residents should contact their Councilmember immediately to express strong opposition to this proposal. Inform them that this ordinance will not effectively address shelter population issues and will unfairly punish responsible owners. You can find email contact forms for the mayor and council members HERE.
Talking Points and Resources
Mandatory spay/neuter laws are often proposed as a quick-fix solution to animal control concerns. Proponents incorrectly believe these laws will reduce animal shelter populations and stray animals. However, such laws have not proven effective and often result in increased numbers of homeless dogs and cats. Consider the following points when communicating your concerns:
Financially challenged owners may be forced to relinquish or abandon their pets, increasing shelter and stray populations.
These laws punish responsible owners who keep their dogs intact for legitimate purposes such as conformation competition, field trials, hunting, and responsible breeding programs.
Recent scientific studies show that early spaying/neutering can cause long-term health issues in dogs.
Mandatory spay/neuter laws are difficult to enforce and may lead to public health concerns when owners avoid routine veterinary care to hide non-compliance.
Lawmakers should focus on increased enforcement of leash laws, fully funded low-cost spay/neuter programs, and public education promoting responsible dog ownership.
Intact dog permits and animal breeder licensing are not appropriate solutions for responsible owners of intact dogs.
The AKC opposes intact animal permits and local breeder licensing as unnecessary regulation of responsible pet owners. These permits:
Unfairly target responsible breeders and pet owners
Invade law-abiding dog owners’ privacy
Create additional bureaucracy and financial burdens
Do nothing to improve animal welfare
More resources on the AKC Legislative Action Center (www.akcgr.org):
Health Risks Associated with Spay/Neuter – article with links to 55 scientific studies
Visit the Key Issues: Mandatory/Spay Neuter
AKC Government Relations (GR) will continue to provide updates on local policy discussions in Texas. For more information, contact AKC GR at [email protected].
The Longview Animal Shelter Advisory Committee has approved an ordinance mandating spaying/neutering, creating intact animal permits, and establishing an animal breeder license. The Longview City Council will consider this ordinance package in the coming weeks. Local news reports indicate the ordina...
